That type of diode is fine, no need to try another type. Is the diode good? Test it with a meter. Then disconnect the arduino and check the voltage level again. As for the 1000uF cap any cap here is better than nothing, use the biggest value you have.

The input capacitor 0.001uf is rather small, use 1uF instead. The best diode for that peak detector is schottky or 1N34. The peak detector has a time constant (t=k*R*C after the diode) where it keeps the voltage peek (you may calculate the t) so if you wait too long the 10uF capacitor discharges through the 2.2k resistor (if no input signal).

If you are interested in db, have a look at the AD8307 (Analog Devices) - it is a logarithmic amplifier which gives you 0.0-2.5V DC output (for your ADC) when the input signal is -80..+12dB (90dB range). It is a DIL8 chip, you need 1 resistor and ~3 capacitors and you get a calibrated db voltmeter.

Update: * The "nothing after the diode" means the scope registers nada here. I haven't actually attached the Arduino yet.* The diode is the right way around, and looks good according to my multimeter.

What I hear is that the design is basically sound, and that we need some bug-fixing/tweaking. That's progress, too.

What I'll try, according to your suggestions is:1) Add a 100uF across Vin/GND, that's the largest I have (actually I tried this, but it dampened the output signal from the LM386, so I removed it). But it goes back in. 2) Change the input cap to 1uF3) Replace the diode, just in case

Pito: Could I bother you with a further expansion of t=k*R*C? I assume that R is resistance in Ohms, the C capacitance in F, and t the time in s? But k?

..pls mind your signal at pin 5 must be bigger than ~0.6Vpp to see something on the R2. The 1n4148 takes 0.6V off the signal, schottky 0.35V, and 1n34 0.2V. Do you have the gnds of the R2 and C2 connected to common gnd? Is the R2 really 2200ohm? Is the C2 really 10uF and polarised properly? Try to connect anode of the diode to 5V (and do disconnect the diode from the lm386 first) - you must read about 4.4V dc on the C2 and R2.t=kRC - google "rc time constant"

If you are interested in db, have a look at the AD8307 (Analog Devices) - it is a logarithmic amplifier which gives you 0.0-2.5V DC output (for your ADC) when the input signal is -80..+12dB (90dB range). It is a DIL8 chip, you need 1 resistor and ~3 capacitors and you get a calibrated db voltmeter.

Something like this is highly recommended. I've used that chip and it's very impressive in both it's dynamic range and frequency response. The arduino analog input is a simple linear scale of voltage. Sound level is generally stated in logarithmic scales as practical sound level measurements covers such a wide dynamic range. So unless your desired measurement range is very small, I think you will be very disappointed in the results unless you have an external logarithmic amplification stage.

Thanks so far. I've added a 100uF across Vin/GND, changed the input cap to 1uF and replaced the diode.

My multimeter says about "2V" is coming out of LM386 leg 5. My "scope" is a soundcard probe with Zeitnitz Scope, and I'm not confident about it's Vpp metering. However, I temporarily replaced the diode with a LED, and got light according to soundlevel, so we're not totally off scale.

I tried connecting the anode of the diode to 5,4V (having disconnected the diode from the lm386 first), and got 4.9V dc on C2 and R2.

I'm still roughly getting the same results.

I get to play with this again on Sunday. Will rip everything apart and build from scratch then, by now I'm seeing ghost in broad daylight. Thanks, guys.

ffabios

I am searching for a solution about make an decibel meter based on arduino, and I found the circuit of Philips- NXT: AN 1991, that is an Audio decibel level detector with meter driver. I would like your opinion about it.